Agenda item

This report sets out the main contents and concepts of the draft Brent Post-16 Skills Strategy, including supporting evidence from research of stakeholders, outlining the high-level visions and expected impact.

Cabinet RESOLVED to:

(1)    Note progress on the work in relation to the Post 16 Skills Strategy and accompanying research commissioned in support.

(2)    Endorse the Post 16 Skills Strategy for progression to publication.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 22 July 24

Councillor Rubin (Cabinet Member for Employment, Innovation & Climate Action) introduced a report outlining the main elements, vision and outcomes within the draft Brent Post-16 Skills Strategy.

In introducing the report, members noted that the Strategy had been developed (contributing towards the Council’s anti-poverty strategy) working with businesses, educational providers and other stakeholders in order to equip residents with the skills necessary to secure high-quality employment opportunities that would also contribute towards the local economy.  With unemployment rates across the Borough remaining high, the Strategy also aimed to provide the type of skills needed by both employers and employees in order to reflect the evolving needs of the local economy.

Members were advised that the strategy had also been designed to represent an investment programme in economic recovery that would contribute to a thriving economy and bridge the gap between skills supply and skills demand with one of the key outcomes being the establishment of a Skills Board bringing together key stakeholders, through which skills training and provision would be directed.  Reference was also made to the specific focus within the Strategy aimed at increasing female participation in the workforce as well as the measures designed to support the participation and provision of employment opportunities for young people with Special Educational Needs as well as through the Black Community Action Plan.  Members also noted the focus on high quality in-work training enabling employees to continue upskilling themselves with Cabinet asked to note the accompanying research prior to endorsing the strategy for progression to publication.

In considering the report, members welcomed and commended the progress made in terms of the Strategy seeking to tackle unemployment, enhance opportunities for career progression as well as in seeking to address poverty and social exclusion. Members also highlighted their support for the focus on community wealth building within the borough, which it was felt demonstrated a multi-faceted approach to post-16 skills.

In relation to children and young people, members highlighted the challenge in delivering secure employment for care leavers and were pleased to see potential opportunities in this area included in the report.  Cabinet also felt it important to recognise and endorse the work of the Youth Justice Service in seeking to prevent reoffending through the provision of training and employment programmes.  Members were also keen to commend the emphasis within the Strategy on creative and digital industries as growth areas and welcomed the introduction of a Skills Board that would include a wide range of external stakeholders, highlighting the importance of alignment with the new Culture Strategy that was being developed.

in concluding the discussion, Cabinet thanked the Employment and Skills Team and Cabinet Member for Employment, Innovation & Climate Action for the work undertaken in relation to development of the post-16 skills strategy with the opportunity also taken to remind members of the upcoming Brent Jobs Fair being hosted at Wembley Stadium.

Cabinet therefore RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the progress of the work on the Post-16 Skills Strategy and the accompanying research commission.

(2)    To endorse the Post 16 Skills Strategy for progression to publication.